WILLIAM ''BILL'' BOURN JR. Obituary (1934

William “Bill” Harold Bourn Jr., 90 of Prosser, passed away on April 1, 2025 in Kennewick. He was born on June 4th, 1934 in Yakima to William Harold Bourn Sr. and Irene Odette Howard. He was raised and educated in Cle Elum where his parents were local florists and greenhouse operators. Afflicted by Polio as a child, Bill made a full recovery becoming an accomplished basketball player and collegiate track athlete in the long jump. Bill was accepted at Gonzaga University to study Pre-Law but found his true passion in education, transferring to Central Washington State College in his sophomore year. He received his BA in Education in 1956. Bill started his career in Ione in 1956 as a secondary school history and social studies teacher. He left teaching briefly to pursue retail management, but quickly realized his true calling was education. He returned to CWSC for his Master’s Degree in Education, graduating in 1967 and became a school administrator in Kettle Falls. Bill married Sandra Lee Cody on July 21, 1962 in Ione. They lived in Tigard, Oregon, Cle Elum and Kettle Falls before making their home in Prosser in 1970. Bill was Principal at Keene- Riverview until his retirement in 1989. He served the Paterson School District for several years afterwards as the district’s administrator. In retirement he found career success a second time providing financial advice to teachers in the Yakima Valley. Bill was an avid golfer and a member of the Black Creek Golf Club. He enjoyed Prosser High School athletics attending most football and basketball games. For many years during track & field season he volunteered as the high jump monitor. He never missed an opportunity for a long Sunday drive. Bill was constantly reading, enjoying investment and financial press as much as adventure novels. Bill was a strong, consistent voice and actor for decency and how to treat people, both to help them and expecting the best from them if given the chance. He was a model for how we should all live with each other. Bill was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving in many volunteer capacities throughout his 55 years in the parish and was an honorary lifetime Knights of Columbus member. Bill volunteered throughout his adult life, leaving an indelible mark on many people and a number of local organizations. He served Merit Resources for several decades as a board member helping it develop into the organization it is today. In August 2021, they honored him with the dedication of the Kennewick building in name. He also served on the Prosser Cemetery Board and Lower Valley Golf Course Board for a number of years, and was the insurance committee chair for the Yakima Retired Teachers Association. He was a past member of the Lion’s Club and United Good Neighbors fund raising committee. He is survived by his daughter, Joy Bourn Smith and her husband, Damon of Spokane; his son, Scott Bourn and his wife, Susan Hendricks of Seattle; six grandchildren, Stephanie Smith and husband, Jordan Hague and great-grandson, Finnegan of Oakland, CA; Andrew Smith of Spokane, WA; Emily Smith of Kent, WA; Adam Bourn and wife, Summer (Weidler) of Seattle; Ian Bourn of Atlanta, GA; and Sarah Bourn of Seattle. He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-six years, Sammie (Cody); and his parents, Irene (Howard) and William Bourn, Sr. Viewing will be held at April 10 this Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 6:00-8:00 pm. Recitation of Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 pm on Friday, April 11th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Concluding services will follow at the Prosser Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow in Smith Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jubilee Ministries Food Bank in Prosser or the donor’s favorite charity.